Middle Tennessee Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up.

Strengths & question marks coming out of spring

Strengths – Offensive run game. Although they sat out spring practice with injuries, all four RBs return from last season’s team that averaged nearly 200 rushing yards per game. And regardless of which quarterback is named the starter in August, it will be a mobile QB that can add to the ground attack.

Defensively, the unit showed last season that it can cause a lot of turnovers. The best two in that area were LB TT Barber and safety Kevin Byard, and both are back this season.

Question Marks – Passing game could be a concern simply because two sure-handed WRs graduated (Tavarres Jefferson, Kyle Griswould) and a new QB must prove himself. Only one of the three competing QBs – Austin Grammer – has played in a college game, and he was an inconsistent passer.

Defensively, a question mark remains pass rush. Last season, the defense was creative with personnel and scheme to bring pressure from the secondary or well-though alignments. In the spring, it appeared the defense was still searching for a defensive end that can get off the edge fast.

Name a few breakout players to keep an eye on in 2014

Regardless of how effective the passing game is, WR Marcus Henry should pull in a lot of catches. He was a good big-game receiver last season and the most complete wideout of the returning receivers.

Defensively, cornerback Jared Singletary should turn some heads. MTSU graduated both its starting cornerbacks, and Singletary should take the role as the No. 1 corner this season. He is versatile and opportunistic. Last season, Singletary made some big clutch plays in key wins, and this season he should expand that to an every-down performer.

Position Group Grades

QB: C+

Sophomore Austin Grammer, true freshman Brent Stockstill and redshirt freshman AJ Erdely are competing for the starting job. Only Grammer has played, and he has shown he is a dangerous runner. Stockstill (son of head coach Rick Stockstill) is an accurate passer, OK runner and a smart decision-maker with a good grasp of the offense. Erdely is more instinctive than methodical. He can also run and has the strongest arm of the trio, but his accuracy sometimes slips. All three looked better than expected in spring. If you can predict the starter, there’s a profitable black jack table waiting for you in Vegas.

RB: A

Four good RBs return, and redshirt freshman Kamani Thomas is also talented.

OL: C+

Center and two guards are new starters.

WR: B-

Marcus Henry is a good No. 1. Coaches think this group will be deeper and better than last season despite big losses from graduation. Time will tell if young WRs come through.

DL: C+

There’s optimism at defensive tackle and experience at defensive end. But the DTs must prove themselves, and the DEs need to bring a better pass rush.

LB: A-

TT Barber is among best defenders in C-USA. Christian Henry had a good spring. The group is very fast.

DB: B

Safety Kevin Byard is an elite player. Two new CBs will be broken in.

What can we expect from Middle Tennessee in 2014?

Non-conference schedule is a little tougher. East Carolina is no longer in the C-USA East Division. Team can be as good as last season (8-4) or piece together a 6-6 year with a solid defense.

The QB question will determine much of the team’s degree of success. But it’s a safe bet the team will be bowl eligible again and at least contend in the East Division. That puts the win total between 6 and 8.

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Adam Sparks, the MTSU beat writer for The Daily News Journal’s BlueRaiders.com provided the information for our Middle Tennessee Football 2014 Spring Wrap Up. For more MTSU football information, commentary and analysis, you can follow Adam on Twitter @AdamSparks.

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